About the Book
The Definitive Game Narrative Guide is the ultimate start and end point for storytelling in video games. Whether you’re an aspiring writer or a seasoned game developer, this book offers an in‑depth, comprehensive look at the entire narrative process.
Written by two industry veterans with experience across some of the biggest AAA franchises, this guide covers the basics to the advanced, including the "why" for each topic as much as the "how."
This book explores the nuances of world building, character development, interactive storytelling, and the technical challenges unique to game narrative. With real‑world examples, practical insights, and expert advice, it provides a look into how game stories come together, from the smallest indie project to massive AAA teams.
The Definitive Game Narrative Guide is more than a how‑to book, as it also serves as an industry insider’s perspective on what makes game storytelling truly great. It discusses techniques to navigate the creative workplace, working as a creative, and most importantly, collaborating with other creatives and disciplines, such as art and design.
An essential tool for anyone looking to level up their understanding of game narrative. This book will help you bring unforgettable stories to life in an interactive form.
Table of Contents:
Skip This Introduction, Section 1: Storytelling, Chapter 1: The Basics, Chapter 2: Narrative Concepts, Chapter 3: Ideas, Chapter 4: Basic Structure, Section 2: Game Storytelling, Chapter 5: Storytelling That is Unique to Games, Chapter 6: Interactive Structure, Chapter 7: World Building, Section 3: Characters, Chapter 8: Where to Start, Chapter 9: Characters from the Outside, Chapter 10: Characters in a Story, Section 4: Dialogue & Voice Over, Chapter 11: Writing Dialogue for VO, Chapter 12: Barks, Chapter 13: Conversations, Chapter 14: Voice Over Sessions, Section 5: Cutscenes, Chapter 15: Before You Write the Cutscene, Chapter 16: Writing the Cutscene, Section 6: Intellectual Property, Chapter 17: Now You’re Thinking with IP, Chapter 18: Creating a New IP, Chapter 19: Developing an Existing IP, Section 7: Game Narrative Professional, Chapter 20: Being a Professional, Chapter 21: Navigating the Creative Workplace, Chapter 22: Addenda
About the Author :
Brian Kindregan is a veteran of BioWare, Blizzard, Epic Games, Ubisoft, NetEase, and Tencent. Brian has been a creative director, a narrative director, a lead writer, and a senior writer. In a previous life, he was a storyboard artist and animator in the film business and directed two seasons of a CG television series. He’s also taught at a number of universities and lectured on game narrative at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. You can find him on Substack at @briankindregan.
Diandra Anne Lasrado is a veteran of BioWare, Blizzard, Riot Games, Carbine, Activision, Aniplex, and more. Diandra has been a lead narrative designer, senior narrative designer, and senior editor. She’s worked on World of Warcraft, League of Legends, Wildstar, Diablo, and more. She has mentored a number of young developers and lectured at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. You can find her on BlueSky at @mesaanasedai and Substack at @mesaanasedai.
Review :
“I wish we had a book like this 30 years ago… Our generation of game writers and developers (whose sanity barely survived the late 80’s thru early 90’s) had to learn to do it on our own - on the fly - no drivers' manual or safety net. So how amazing is it to find this wealth of practical knowledge, proven experience and genuine inspiration for upcoming game writers today? Very clearly, Brian and Diandra have poured their passion, creativity and many, many experiences into this book. You wanna write games? Good. Start here.”
- Chris Metzen, Executive Creative Director, Warcraft
"I had the great fortune of working with Brian and experienced his immense talent in action. Leading a story during the process of game development requires a unique interdisciplinary set of skills - vision, story chops, diplomacy, and the ability to creatively direct. This means communicating to a vast group of disparate disciplines (programmers, designers, artists, producers, etc.) who each need to do their work in concert, driving toward the same narrative goals and creative north star of the game. You have to also understand the craft of dramatic writing and bring a fresh voice that begets unexpected and delightful dialog and playable set pieces. You solve puzzles - working closely with designers when things don't work, facilitating gameplay and revising story - and you have to always keep your eyes on the long term goal - shipping something great! Brian has all of that skill and experience, and most importantly for his and Diandra’s book, the skill to teach it. The Definitive Game Narrative Guide offers clear insight to what's needed to succeed as a writer in the game industry. It's a quest giver that can prep you for the adventures ahead!"
- James Waugh, Senior Vice President Franchise Story and Creative Strategy, Lucasfilm
“The Definitive Game Narrative Guide is an invaluable guide to the fundamental building blocks of storytelling in games. From the first steps to the final polish, the authors guide the reader seamlessly through the entire narrative process. Full of lessons, tips, and real-world examples from two accomplished industry veterans with over thirty combined years of experience, this book is a must read for any writer interested in a career in the video game industry.”
- Drew Karpyshyn, lead writer: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, Mass Effect 2. Narrative director: Exodus
